GernBlansten

Because we must emulate the birth rates of the third world. If we don't, we may never become a third world nation.

Atheism is actually the absence of belief in a higher being. There is a difference, although in this context it probably doesn't make much difference. I love the example put forward by famed atheist Richard Dawkins: Religion is to an atheist as stamp collecting is to NOT stamp collecting.

Lisa, Our unit mirrors yours. We have on average 40-50 scouts registered, but only 20 attend a given campout. This has created a culture of ad-hoc patrols at every campout. I'm the backpacking, high adventure guy, so I focus on keeping the 14+ year olds active. I've been an ASM for 5 years and recently moved to venture crew advisor. Our past SM, a woodbadger, really didn't push the issue. We now have a new SM and ASM who are fresh woodbadgers. They certainly are enthusiastic on teaching EDGE and leadership. I am eager to see if they can change the culture of the troop.

We secured 4 crews for NTiers last summer for this coming summer. Over the winter, we've lost about 30% of the interested scouts from being able to go. So we had to turn back in one crew reservation. The remaining crews are reaching the minimum crew numbers and we may have to consolidate to two crews. Every one of the cancellations are due to the economy.

Interesting. Our troop has always done an annual troop planning session, led by the SPL. But its a troop wide activity. Then, we try to force fit the patrol method into what the troop planned for execution. The result, is it doesn't naturally work and we end up doing troop outtings with loose patrol identity if at all. Ad Hoc patrols are common as patrol attendance varies. Ain't saying its right or wrong, but it sure ain't the patrol method. From what jblake is saying, all the planning and execution is at the patrol level, and the troop is just a collection of patrols who come together on one night a week at a common meeting place. I like the idea, but I can't imagine our guys doing it. Heck, I can't even get my small Venture Crew to plan and execute automonously. But there is light at the end of the tunnel. We have two newly birthed woodbadgers in the troop, the SM and another ASM, filled with EDGE and enthusiasm. I am excited to see how they transform the troop to this ideal.

Sounds like Seabadge requires participants demonstrate their mastery of seamanship before and during the course. All done while on a real voyage. With all this practical instruction being done, when is there time for advanced management theory and E.D.G.E? Do they bring a projector onboard to show the powerpoint slides?

Ok, about the Lutherans. Maybe our preacher just wasn't that convincing. Besides, with all the wonderful creations at the potlucks, how could there be a more supreme being?

As a former Lutheran, I can say there are many Lutherans who are secretly athiests. Shouldn't we have some test to validate their faith? Can we really leave it to just belonging to an organized religion?

Wilderness rules in Colorado limit groups to 15. We as a troop have never limited camping unless there was a resource limitation, OKPIK reservations, Philmont crew, wilderness rules. If we winter cabin camp, most of the boys want to sleep outside anyways.

Sounds like you need to have a "Come to Jesus" meeting with this scouts parents.

The reason I phrased my response the way I did is that it doesn't matter how big or small your unit is, how many new recruits you can get, but if you can keep a large percent of the guys active (in a real sense, not the BSA definition) after they turn 14, you are doing something right. What is that percent? Probably over 50% of your total scouts.

High percent of active and engaged youth over 14 years old.

I have to admit, I was a little apprehensive allowing my son to go on the patrol backpack. But I fought back my instincts and kept encouraging him. I knew he could handle it and that the boys he was leading could too. But he's a type one diabetic and its always on your mind that he could have a medical emergency at anytime. But we've trained him to handle it and his buds too. Doesn't eliminate the dangers. Life is full of dangers. I tell you though, I think I was more satisfied when the boys returned than they were. I felt as though we really accomplished something on taking the next step to self sufficiency. In my mind, that's the epitome of scouting. Demonstrated self sufficiency, not parlor scouting. I think I've become a Kudu convert.

Smoking must be a regional thing. Here in Colorado, no scouter smokes at campouts and it is never an issue, even at summer camp. Now we do have a significant number of LDS units, we are not, but none of our adults are smokers. The smokers I do see at public campgrounds are either my parents generation (70+) or those who would never be scouts, the tattoo and piercings crowd.

One other solution Lisa, is to have the adults work as their own patrol. Hike in the same area, but not at the same time (say 1-2 hours behind) and camp well away from each other (at least 1 mile). Have predefined rendezvous points, like the campsites, in case of an emergency. But during the hike, neither patrol sees the other. Meet back up at the trailhead. This will give the boys the feeling that they are on their own, and the adults a sense of control they wish not to relinquish.

Our venture patrol did their first no adult backpack late last fall. They had a tremendous time. Gave a troop report at the following meeting. Raised some eyebrows of the young scouts parents. Unfortunately, they haven't planned the next one, but band and sports are keeping them busy. The genesis for the first trip was them grousing about having the little kids and adults at camp outs. I suggested they do their own thing without adults. They said "WHAT? We can do that?" I told them all they needed was a plan and SM approval. They got it done. I hope this spring, they do another one. Now most of those guys are the core of our venture crew too and we have girls who joined. So the rules change and if the girls go, we need co-ed adult participation at camp outs. If not, they are welcome to trek away without me and my wife.

Yeah, As long you don't imply that the BSA is endorsing the product, you probably are in the clear. One easy way to do this is to not have the boys wear their "field" uniforms. Class Bs only. Our unit sells cans of soda, popcorn and bottled water at the county fair. No class As, but people know they are supporting our troop because the boys are in their t-shirts and our troop trailer is used to dispense stuff from.

"This instance that opened this thread clearly illustrates the need for accountability in keeping accurate records of registered Scouters training and awards. Phonies dolled up to try and impress will only fool the folks not yet familiar with Scoutings trappings...but will run afoul of those of us who have been around a campfire or two, therby revealing themselves for what they are...fools and liars. " Why the need for accountability, when in the last part of your statement, the fools and liars will reveal themselves. What a tempest in a teapot. Oh the humanity! In response to this thread, I have removed all doodads and bling from my field uniform. Better safe than sorry. Heaven forbid someone challenge my "trained" patch.

Trev, Being a snowboarder, I resemble that remark.

I really don't see how this would be an issue. It shouldn't have anything to do with his ability to be a leader. Worst case, he didn't do any of it and is a poser. So what? Is he a threat to the boys? At the risk of hijacking the thread, isn't the uniform to equalize everyone. Once people start putting doodads and bling on, kinda defeats the purpose.

Instead of the button, use a small piece of velcro. Put the hook side on the sash, and sew a very small patch of loop on the epilette loop.

Looks like its a real narrow recall. Only units sold for a few months in 2008. Dang, I was hoping to get mine replaced. My igniter broke years ago and now I use a butane lighter to start it.

Yes, the BSA would need to sue the scout to return the award, since the award is the property of the scout. At least I think it is. Imagine the fire storm if BSA actually did this. You think the Dale decision was hot, this would make it nucular.

Interesting twist on the legend. But like most legends, they don't stand up to scrutiny. If the scout/scouter was suing the BSA, under what authority would the judge have to take his Eagle award? Wouldn't the BSA need to be suing the Eagle scout? This is just like urban legend of the tour permit and insurance coverage.

I ride my bike, swim, hike. I've started to use some machines at the rec center to get my upper body ready for NTiers this summer. Other than that, just watching my portions keeps my girlish figure in check.